Coffee Shop Proposed at Sukarno's Exile House to Attract Younger Generation

In Bengkulu stands Bung Karno's Exile House, a simple wooden house where Soekarno spent his years of exile. Today, this historical space is envisioned to become a more vibrant destination, with the aroma of Coffee and the footsteps of young readers among bookshelves.

Culture Minister Fadli Zon proposed establishing a coffee shop and mini-library in the area. The idea is simple yet strategic, creating a meeting point between history and today's generation.

"We are at Bung Karno's Exile House in Bengkulu. Bung Karno was exiled by Dutch colonizers from 1938 until 1942 until the Japanese occupation. I believe this can become a center for information, learning, recreation, education, and culture," stated the Minister in Bengkulu City on Wednesday.

This house is more than just a colonial building with wooden floors. From 1938-1942, it witnessed Soekarno's contemplation, writing, and consolidation of national ideas before Indonesia's independence.

Within the landscape of historical Tourism, it holds intimate narratives about a leader forged in solitude.

Yet one challenge for historical destinations is maintaining relevance without eroding meaning?

In this context, the coffee shop and library serve as experiential bridges. Not merely relaxation spots, but spaces for reflection where visitors can read archives, trace exile stories while savoring Bengkulu's specialty coffee.

Fadli also mentioned the importance of appreciating Cultural Heritage, including adjusting the current entrance fee of Rp5,000 per person.

"I believe the price could be increased, so we also need appreciation while attracting people to enjoy Bengkulu coffee and local cuisine recognized as Indonesia's Intangible Cultural Heritage from Bengkulu," he said.

Current Tourist Visits range between 1,500-3,000 people monthly. A stable figure with untapped potential.

With more interactive curation, this exile house could become a new hub for Historical Tourism in Sumatra.

Beyond a destination, this space can transform into a cross-generational dialogue platform. A courtyard where past and future converge under tropical trees and echoes of Bung Karno's footsteps.

"We hope more Young Generations will visit Bengkulu, especially the meticulously curated Bung Karno Exile House maintained by museums and the Ministry's Cultural Heritage unit," he expressed. (ANTARA)